Lessons learned

Photograph: Lee Pellegrini

Since the Boston College Neighborhood Center opened in 1995, on Washington Street in Brighton, the number of free conversational English courses it offers has nearly tripled. According to Maria DiChiappari, the center’s director, 14 classes were held last semester to serve the neighborhood’s Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Chinese speakers, staffed by 27 Boston College student volunteers. Above is Brighton resident Maria Rodriguez (left), with tutors Ruth O’Herron ’11 and Anthony Ameduri ’08.